Japan zoo's 'Punch' the monkey celebrates first birthday

Punch, a Japanese macaque at Ichikawa City Zoo in Chiba Prefecture, marked his first birthday on July 26. The young monkey, raised by zookeepers, captured global attention in 2025 when images and videos of him affectionately clinging to a plush toy orangutan, seemingly as a maternal substitute, became viral sensations.

His appearance has changed since then; Punch's fur has transitioned from a darker shade to the typical brown of other macaques at the zoo. He has also outgrown his reliance on the plush toy and is now fully integrated with the zoo's monkey troop. Punch has been observed engaging in social behaviors like playing and grooming with his fellow macaques.

The zoo received an outpouring of well wishes, with over 2,500 birthday cards sent from both domestic and international admirers. On his birthday, a group of foreign visitors were seen serenading him with "Happy Birthday."

"I’m grateful that Punch has been able to reach his birthday in good health," said Takashi Yasunaga, a section chief at the zoo. "I hope people will keep watching over him warmly."

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I’m grateful that Punch has been able to reach his birthday in good health. I hope people will keep watching over him warmly.